I'm about your age and when I get on board I head for the Maitre D and like the last post said I find out who is sitting at my table (couples, with childern?) Nothing against children but since I'm a empty nester I would rather not sit with them.

You can ask for a singles table (I've been seated at singles tables on both Carnival and Royal) I found that they are alot of fun and there are usually a few good singles to hang with from the available table mates.